The Orlando Sentinel newspaper has reported that Disney guests will be able to begin using Downtown Disney’s first of the complexes parking garages on November 20. The parking garage is located at Downtown Disney’s West Side, directly in front of Disney Quest and the AMC Downtown Disney 24 with Dine-in Theatres. Entrance to the garage will be through entry 3, which is located directly across from team Disney. In early December, expect the Marketplace parking lots to close as work immediately switches to the second parking garage construction.

This is welcome news for anyone who frequents Downtown Disney for shopping, dining or entertainent. Parking has been been a huge headach for the past few years with many guests having to circle the parking lots for 20-30 minutes to find an open space. Even with that, your spot would often be remote from where you would like to be.

From the Orlando Sentinal, October 29, 2014:

“Visitors to Downtown Disney can start using the complex’s first new parking garage Nov. 20.

The garage will open for a trial run for employees only on Sunday, and then additional levels will open for the general public two and a half weeks after that, Disney said.

The opening of the garage should help alleviate congestion in the area. Getting around and parking has been particularly difficult during Downtown Disney’s expansion. The complex is doubling its number of dining, shopping and entertainment options as it transforms into an area called Disney Springs.

The project includes two parking garages with 6,000 spaces. It also includes two pedestrian bridges, widening of Buena Vista Drive with dedicated bus lanes, and an extension off an Interstate 4 exit ramp that will lead directly into the garage.

The garage has five levels with about 4,000 parking spaces. On Nov. 20, the first through fourth levels will be partly open with about 1,700 spaces available. In December, nearly 3,000 spaces will be available.

Features such as entrance ramps and escalators also still need to be added.”

About The Author

Paul Little is the founder and president of the DVC Rental Store and partner at Be Our Guest Vacations Inc.